Hiccups

Hiccups occur when the main muscle used in breathing (diaphragm) suddenly contracts between normal breaths.

Causes

The exact cause of hiccups is not known. Hiccups can be caused by:

• irritation of the nerve that controls the diaphragm
  • can develop because of tumour growth, enlarged liver (hepatomegaly) or a buildup of fluid in the abdomen (ascites)
• excess air in the stomach (gastric distention)
• inflammation of the esophagus (esophagitis)
• some brain tumours
• combination chemotherapy
  • hiccups occurs in about one third of people receiving chemotherapy, especially combination chemotherapy
  • it is difficult to determine exactly which drugs may be responsible
  • some drugs, such as corticosteroids, that are often used to help prevent nausea and vomiting, have been shown to cause hiccups

Management

There are some home remedies that may be tried to help relieve hiccups:

• Breathe slowly and deeply into a paper bag.
• Slowly drink a glass of cool water. Try drinking a glass of water mixed with a teaspoon or two of sugar.
• Try holding your breath for a short time.
• Do not force yourself to eat. This may cause vomiting.

Medications may be needed if hiccups are very distressing or severe or carry on for longer than 24 hours. Be sure to report the following to the doctor or healthcare team:

• if hiccups last for more than 1 day
• if hiccups cause trouble breathing
• any swelling or bloating of the stomach